Hybrid Hook for Weight Training

ABSTRACT

Here is disclosed an attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine. The attachment is for use with a free weight having a pair of weights on either end of a handle. The attachment includes an elongated member having opposite ends with a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member. An attachment member is formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends. Each of the hooks are dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight. The hooks are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to permit a user to grasp the handle of the free weight between the hooks. Finally, the attachment member is configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to weight training machines which use primarily gravity as a source of resistance and an combination of cables and pulleys to convey that resistance to the person using the machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Weight training involves the repetitive use of certain resistance exercises to train various muscle groups in the body. Weight training can be achieved using a variety of different techniques aided by a variety of different devices. Free weights, such as dumbbells and bar bells are tradition weight training equipment, which are very effective for the purpose of weight training when used appropriately. Weight training machines are another form of weight training equipment which uses a series of simple machines, such as levers and pulleys, to deliver a source of resistance to a user. Weight training machines usually use a series of heavy weights which are coupled to the simple machines as a source of resistance; however, weight training machines which use elastic deformation of bands or elongated members are also known. Weight training machines have the advantage of being easy to set up and use and can provide a user with a work out targeting specific muscle groups. Free weights are also very effective, and have added benefits such as versatility and the ability to work out several muscle groups simultaneously. Each type of equipment has its advantages and disadvantages; however, nearly all serious weight trainers will use free weights. Unfortunately, free weights do require some skill to use properly, particularly if the trainer wishes to target specific muscle groups while avoiding injury or strain. A system which combines the advantages of both types of training equipment would be beneficial.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine. The attachment is for use with a free weight having a pair of weights on either end of a handle. The attachment includes an elongated member having opposite ends with a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member. An attachment member is formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends. Each of the hooks are dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight. The hooks are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to permit a user to grasp the handle of the free weight between the hooks. Finally, the attachment member is configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine. The attachment is for use with a dumbbell having a pair of weights on either end of a handle. The attachment includes an elongated member having opposite ends with a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member. An attachment member is formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends. Each of the hooks are dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight. The hooks are separated from each other by a distance sufficient to position the hooks adjacent to and between the weights. Finally, the attachment member is configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.

With the foregoing in view, and other advantages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, which includes a description of the preferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view, partly in perspective, showing a weight machine attachment made in accordance with the present invention coupled to a dumbbell.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the weight machine attachment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an expanded view of the attachment portion of the weight machine attachment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an expanded view of the hook portion of the present invention being coupled to the handle of a dumbbell.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention being used by a person for weight training.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the weight machine attachment made in accordance with the present invention.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 6, a weight attachment made in accordance with the present invention is shown generally as item 12 and consists of an elongated member 16 having opposite ends 18 and 20. Hooks 22 and 24 are formed on opposite ends 18 and 20, respectively. Preferably, elongated member 16 and hooks 22 and 24 are formed from a continuous steel rod with hooks 22 and 24 formed as perpendicular extensions from the elongated member. Hooks 20 and 24 are curved with ends 26 and 28, respectively, oriented backward towards elongated member 16. An attachment member 30 is formed on elongated member 16 midway between hooks 22 and 24 opposite the hooks. An aperture 32 is formed in attachment 30. Preferably attachment 30 consists of a flat steel member welded to the steel rod forming elongated member 16. The distance separating hooks 22 and 24 from each other is preferably at least about 5 inches to permit the user to fit his hand between the hooks. Hooks 22 and 24 have terminal curved ends 34 and 36 respectively, representing the further most extension of the hooks away from elongated member 16. The distance between terminal curved ends 34 and 36 and elongated member 16 is preferably at least 4 inches to enable the user to position his or her hand between the terminal curved ends and the elongated portion.

Referring now to FIG. 1, attachment 12 is suited for coupling free weight 38 with weight training machine 46. Weight training machine 46 has a plurality of weights 54 which are coupled to cable 48 and end 50 by a series of pulleys such that pulling on end 50 causes the weights 54 to lift with weights 54 providing resistance. Normally a T shaped handle (not shown) is attached to end 50 to permit the user to grasp the end of the cable and pull up the cable in order to train the user's arms depending on the exercise being performed (for example an biceps curl). With the present invention, attachment 12 is coupled to end 50 by carabineer 52.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, attachment 12 can then be coupled to free weight 38 (in this case a dumbbell) by hooking the hooks onto handle 40 of the free weight. Hooks 22 and 24 are hooked onto handle such that hooks 22 and 24 are between and immediately adjacent to weights 32 and 44, respectively. As mentioned above, attachment 12 is dimensioned such that the user can easily grasp handle 40 between the hooks without contacting the attachment and in particular without contacting elongated member 16. Carabineer 52 provides a positive locking attachment to attachment member 30 via aperture 32 to prevent the attachment from accidentally coming loose from cable end 50.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, when the attachment is coupled to cable 48 of weight training machine 46, the user can train using both free weight 38 and weight training machine 46. As the user does a biceps curl, for example, he/she will pull up on cable 48 causing weights 54 to elevate in response. In addition to the resistance provided by weights 54, free weight 38 also provides training resistance. The combination of free weight 38 and weight machine 46 compels the user to train using free weight 38 while maintaining proper form. Also, since a free weight is being added to weight training machine 46, the additional benefits of free weights, such as building core strength, are effectively added to the work out.

A specific embodiment of the present invention has been disclosed; however, several variations of the disclosed embodiment could be envisioned as within the scope of this invention. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims 

Therefore, what is claimed is:
 1. An attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine for use with a free weight having a pair of weights on either end of a handle, the attachment comprising: a. An elongated member having opposite ends, a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member, an attachment member formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends; b. each of the hooks dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight; c. the hooks being separated by distance sufficient to permit a user to grasp the handle of the free weight between the hooks, and d. the attachment member configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine.
 2. The attachment of claim 1 wherein the attachment member comprises a flat member with an aperture passing there through, the aperture dimensioned to receive a carabineer coupled to the pull up cable.
 3. The attachment of claim 1 wherein each of the hooks is formed as a perpendicular extension from the elongated member, the hook having a curved terminal end dimensioned to receive the handle portion of the free weight, the curved terminal end separated from the elongated member by a length sufficient to permit the user's hand to pass between the handle portion of the free weight and the elongated portion.
 4. The attachment of claim 3 wherein the distance separating the hooks is at least 5 inches and wherein the length is at least 4 inches.
 5. The attachment of claim 2 wherein the elongated member has opposite sides and wherein the attachment member is positioned on the opposite side of the elongated member relative to the hooks.
 6. An attachment for a pull up cable of a weight training machine for use with a dumbbell having a pair of weights on either end of a handle, the attachment comprising: a. An elongated member having opposite ends, a hook formed on each of the opposite ends of the elongated member, an attachment member formed on the elongated member midway between the opposite ends; b. each of the hooks dimensioned to hook onto the handle portion of the free weight; c. the hooks being separated by distance sufficient to position the hooks adjacent to and between the weights, and d. the attachment member configured to couple to the pull up cable of the weight machine. 